Despite its poor chart performance, the song frequently appears on “Best of” compilations including Changesonebowie, which takes its title from the track.
“Changes” originally appeared on David Bowie’s 1971 Hunky Dory album. In 1972, it was released as a single with “Andy Warhol” as the B-Side.
[Intro]
Oh yeah
Mmm
[Verse 1]
Still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild, a million dead-end streets and
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
[Chorus]
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
[Interlude]
Oh yeah
[Verse 2]
I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through
[Chorus]
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, don't tell them to grow up and out of it
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, where's your shame?
You've left us up to our necks in it
Time may change me
But you can't trace time
[Bridge]
Strange fascination, fascinating me
Ah, changes are taking the pace I'm going through
[Chorus]
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, oh, look out you rock 'n' rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, pretty soon now you're gonna get older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
[Outro]
I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time
Changes was written by David Bowie.
Changes was produced by David Bowie & Ken Scott.
David Bowie released Changes on Fri Jan 07 1972.
I guess it was me being sort of arrogant. It’s sort of baiting an audience, isn’t it? It’s saying, ‘Look, I’m going to be so fast you’re not going to be able to keep up with me.’ It’s that kind of perky arrogance of youth. You think you can get away with anything when you’re young.
2002, quoted in...